“Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
- January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945
- American
- Politician
- [Achievements]
- As president of the United States, he promoted economic recovery from the Great Depression with the New Deal policy
- He led the Allied powers to victory in World War II
- [Criticism]
- His hard-line policy toward Japan triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor
- He pushed for the forced internment policy of Japanese Americans due to racist feelings toward the Japanese
- He promoted the Manhattan Project, a plan to develop the atomic bomb
Quote
“Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franklin D. Roosevelt offers a straightforward and practical piece of advice for effective communication, particularly in public speaking. He advocates for sincerity, suggesting that one should speak from the heart and be genuine in their words. This aligns with Roosevelt’s broader belief in the importance of honesty and integrity in leadership. By being brief, Roosevelt encourages speakers to get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary verbosity, which could dilute their message. Finally, the call to be seated suggests that one should not overstay their welcome in a speech or presentation—once the message is delivered, it’s best to step aside and allow others to have their say.
This quote reflects Roosevelt’s pragmatic approach to leadership and communication. As a skilled orator, he often delivered speeches that were both clear and impactful, understanding that an audience’s attention is limited and that the most important ideas should be communicated efficiently. Roosevelt also knew that, especially in times of national crisis, such as during the Great Depression and World War II, people needed leaders who could convey messages with clarity and conviction, without unnecessary elaboration.
In modern contexts, this quote remains relevant in both public speaking and day-to-day communication. It serves as a reminder that in a world full of information, concise, authentic, and direct communication is often the most effective. Whether in business, politics, or personal relationships, Roosevelt’s advice encourages individuals to communicate with honesty and clarity, while respecting others’ time and attention.
